Tuesdays Expert Wrap - Round Four

Penrith mentor Matthew Elliott would come last in an award for most popular coach in the league and Tuesday's Expert now understands why.

After seeing his top seventeen last Friday night, it is evident Elliott's obsession with playing outside backs in the backrow has hit new heights. Adrian Purtell and Timana Tahu, who are more adept in the centres than in the pack (although some would argue Purtell's best position is left right out), were both selected on the interchange bench for the clash with the Broncos.

And in the era of the super-sub, their contribution was embarrassing. Purtell was on the field for just 12 minutes and touched the ball twice, while Tahu played a more respectable half an hour but only made 6 runs for 35 metres. Hardly figures that would have any opposition quaking in their boots.

Elliott would be far better served with a bench forward or two to ease the workload on an already burdened Petero Civoniceva and Luke Lewis. Tuesday's Expert's fingers are crossed but he's not holding his breath.

Another selection heads-cratcher is the Raiders' persistence with an unfit, off the pace and generally ordinary Matt Orford in the halfback position. Granted, if they didn't have any better options it would be acceptable. However, talented youngster Sam Williams is waiting in the wings. After his confident performance in Round One, he could be the spark for Canberra if Dave Furner is willing to shelve one of the club's biggest off season purchases.

Tuesday's Expert would like to give a shout out to Warriors' coach Ivan Cleary for running the blow torch through his team after a very ordinary opening three weeks. Cleary demoted Lance Hohaia and Brett Seymour amongst others while promoting the likes of Glen Fisiiahi and Ukuma Ta'ai in a fairly massive shake up.

Aside from changing the names, the move achieved its purpose of refocusing the attitude of the team. Although the seventeen named may not be the Warriors' best side at full strength, Cleary's crystal clear message was that bad performances will not escape punishment and that 100% commitment is what is required to prosper. Round Four Review